Client acceptability of treatment procedures has recently become a significant concern in the assessment of psychotherapeutic effectiveness (Kazdin, French & Sherick, 1981; Wolf, 1978). Formally, acceptability refers to the fairness, appropriateness and intrusiveness of the treatment procedure as judged by clients, lay persons and nonprofessionals (Kazdin, 1980a). Unfortunately, marital and family therapists have yet to utilize this criterion in an evaluation of their psychotherapeutic interventions. Consequently, the purpose of the present investigation was to examine the acceptability of four differing therapeutic models (psychoanalytic, behavioral, systems and eclectic) used in the treatment of marital discord.

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The present study reports upon a standard behavior therapy treatment package applied to three clinically referred cohabitating couples. Multidimensional assessment measures included reports by self, partner, and external observers of couples' interactions. Moreover, a multiple-baseline design across couples was employed as a means of evaluating treatment efficacy. Therapy involved the weekly administration of bibliotherapy and exercise material, with therapist contact purposely minimized. An analysis of results indicates modest treatment success with considerable between-subject variability. These findings are discussed with regard to gender differences, ceiling effects, and utilization of standardized therapy packages. Recommendations are made for future behavioral cohabitation research.